Doncaster Knights vs Hartpury: Match Review

BLAZE rugby commentator Sam Roberts looks back on the matchup between Doncaster Knights and Hartpury, the second Elior Champ Rugby fixture to be shown live on BLAZE.

Doncaster Knights got their home campaign off to a winning start in Week 2 of the Elior Champ, defeating Hartpury at Castle Park. 

Donny wasted little time as Telusa Veainu snaked his way past defenders to round off a good early try for the home side.

Having defended well for the opening 15 minutes, it was actually the visitors who scored next. A kick downfield bounced awkwardly and into the hands of chasing winger Jack Cotgreave, who cantered home. 

The game see-sawed before half time with scores from Hartpury’s Harry Short and Doncaster’s loanee hooker James Isaacs but the visitors snuck in front at the break thanks to a Harry Balzagette penalty. 

The second half however belonged to Donny. The first of two tries was created by the ever-threatening Semesa Rokoduguni, who pounced on a dropped ball in the Hartpury midfield and then slalomed his way upfield before offloading brilliantly to Zach Kerr. And it wasn’t long before the other winger, Penaia Tagutu, was set free down the opposite flank in front of an appreciative home crowd. The man of the match award went to Knights flanker Aidan King for his tireless and consistent effort around the park. 

Doncaster travel to Blackheath next Sunday in BLAZE's next installment of Elior Champ Rugby.